New load-lugging Volkswagen Golf R Estate packs 316bhp

Volkswagen has added more versatility to its hot Golf line-up with the arrival of the Golf R Estate, which will go on sale later this year. It’s powered by the same 2.0-litre turbocharged four-cylinder engine as the Golf R hatch, producing an identical 316bhp and 420Nm of torque.

Power is sent to all four wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic gearbox and VW’s latest 4MOTION torque-vectoring four-wheel-drive system. The system’s traction means the Golf R Estate has a 0-62mph time of 4.9 seconds, helped also by launch control. Due to the larger estate body weighing 79kg more than the five-door Golf R’s, at 1,630kg, this is two tenths of a second down on its sibling. Top speed stands at 155mph, but buyers can opt for the R Performance package, which increases this to 168mph.

The Golf R Estate’s chassis has been tweaked to reflect the different weight distribution, with spring rates raised by 10 per cent when compared with its predecessor, while the suspension dampers’ characteristics have been adjusted in line with this change.

There are six driving profiles to choose from, which adjust the powertrain response, steering weight, the four-wheel-drive system and ESC settings, as well as the optional adaptive dampers when fitted.

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As with the R hatchback, choosing the optional R Performance pack also adds a ‘Special’ profile that was developed at the Nürburgring, while the Estate features the same variable-ratio steering set-up. There’s also a Drift mode, which sees up to 100 per cent of drive torque sent to the rear axle diverted to an outside rear wheel in a corner to initiate a power slide.

Key to any estate is boot space, and this new Golf R offers a 611-litre load bay, which rises to 1,642 litres with the rear seats folded down. Maximum towing capacity stands at 1,900kg. The R wagon is 349mm longer than its predecessor, which gives a boost to rear legroom and passenger space, too.

Inside, the Golf R Estate uses VW’s familiar touchscreen infotainment and digital dash set-up from the standard Golf, albeit this time with graphics bespoke to the R. There’s more R-themed detailing in the form of blue steering wheel trim, blue stripes and R badging on the heavily bolstered sports seats, as well as carbon fibre-effect trim. The sportiest Golf Estate also features an aggressive bodykit, bigger alloys to accommodate larger brakes, a quad-exit exhaust and silver door mirrors.

Pricing for the new Golf R Estate is yet to be announced, but as with previous generations, we expect it to be around £1,300 more than the hatch, so is likely to start from around £40,000. The car will be available in the UK from August this year.

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